K.S. Ashwath – The Life of A Pantomimist

Karaganahalli Subbaraya Ashwathanarayana, a veteran Kannada actor, who played many unforgettable characters in the movies for over five decades. K. S. Ashwath acted in more than 370 films during his career life. He died at the age of 84, on 18 the January 2010. K. S. Ashwath had been one of the eminent actors of his time. K. S. Ashwath had undoubtedly displayed the immense caliber as an actor.

Early Life of K. S. Ashwath

K.S. Ashwath was born on 25th May 1925 in Karaganahalli, Holenarasipura, Hassan in the Kingdom of Mysore during the rule of British in India.

As a student, K.S Ashwat showered his brilliance in his studies and won the 7th rank in University for Graduation. He completed his B. Com from the Maharaja College in Mysore and then discontinued his education after he joined the freedom movement. He even pursued his career as a Food inspector as well as a stenographer in the Deputy Commissioner’s office for almost ten years.

K.S. Ashwath – A Glorious Actor

K.S. Ashwath started his career by appearing in Radio plays by the All India Radio, Mysore. Later he kick-started his career in stagecraft by enacting in plays written by A. N. Murthy Rao, Parvathavani, and many other writers. K. Subramanyam, a film director, happened to see K. S. Ashwath’s acting in one of the plays and without much delay selected him for the role in his movie Streerathna. Hence in 1956, he started with his debut role in the Kannada movies.

Several years of acting, Mr. Ashwat had depicted numerous movies which showcased his impeccable talent as an actor. One of his emulated movies was Naagarahaavu, where he played as Chamayya meshtru, which is still cherished by people. In his career, he had done a number of movies as a supporting role with the eminent personality Rajkumar.

Milestones in His Career

In 1956, played the debut role in movie Streerathna.

In 1960 played the role of Narada- a mythological character, in the movie “Bhakta Prahlada”

Played an eminent role in an English movie called “Seven Wonders of the world” and acclaimed the title of the first Kannada actor to act in a color film.

Awards and Recognitions

K.S. Ashwath was awarded the honorary Doctorate the year 2008 from the Tumkur University for his inordinate contribution to the Kannada Film industry. He had won three National awards for his prodigious roles enacted.

Last Days of K. S. Ashwath

Ashwath passed away on 18th January 2010, due to cardiac arrest when he was admitted to hospital for Vertebrobasilar insufficiency. His cremation was at Harishchandra Ghats, located near the Chamundi Hills.